UP government should act against other rule-breakers to appear impartial

Lucknow: The closure of illegal slaughter houses is a half hearted or a selective action as illegal trade practices in other areas, other than meat trade , have been left untouched. And there is no indication so far that the government will address them soon.

Thousands of fruit, vegetable and other sellers have occupied the pavements and encroached on the roads and all of them are doing business illegally. Besides creating traffic snarls, they also affect movement of common people. Since most of them have put up their make-shift-shops in crowded areas like railway stations and bus stands there is a need for urgent remedial measures.

But the government has not come out with any proposal so far to ease the situation. In defence, a senior minister who would not like to be identified, said , ” give us sometime. We have just taken over. We will address all the issues concerning the people one by one “.

This reply, however, does not go well with the opposition and the anti-slaughter house closure lobby. They continue to believe that this action was taken primarily because mainly Muslims were engaged in the meat business and because it will be appreciated by pro-Hindu elements.

There was certainly a greater polarisation of Hindu votes in the recent assembly election in the state and it was the main reason for remarkable success achieved by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party had made closure promise in its election manifesto itself.

The anti-saffron group finds the loan waiver promise made before the poll another contributing factor. In future too other issues which will not help the party politically is likely to be put in cold storage. The group also firmly believes it will take such selective actions till next Lok Sabha elections.

It is not to suggest that the move against the illegal slaughter houses was ill-advised or unjustified. No wise man will advocate inaction against illegal practices. It is perfectly justified in sealing such houses. It can be credited for successfully handling of the strike called by these and other such houses in the state in protest against this action, too.

But it should pay as much attention to other illegal acts to, at least , keep the critics quiet. Clearing encroachment is one of them. Similar throwing thousands of people out of job cry will be made after action against them as well, but the government is not supposed to support any illegal act whatever the critics may say.

Action should not be taken against those who want to formalise these businesses. It has to be taken only against those who continue to violate rules. All of them should be asked to seek proper written permission for doing business like meat sellers. It will ease road congestion and increase revenue earning by the state which it needs most to move faster and catch up with advanced states in the country.

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